SAN ANTONIO — The UTSA football team officially started its seventh fall camp on Tuesday with a pair of split-squad practices on the main campus practice fields.
The morning practice saw the veteran players go through a spirited two-hour workout in helmets. The newcomers went through their first official practice as Roadrunners in the afternoon. UTSA will use the split-practice format for the next three days before coming together as a full squad on Saturday.
"We're learning, but I'm pleased with the first-day effort," second-year head coach Frank Wilson said after the morning session. "I can't say it's not a typical first day. You have expectations, but as long as there is effort and energy those other things will come."
UTSA returns 44 letterwinners and a total of 15 starters (7 defense/6 offense/2 kickers) from last year's squad that won six games, including a 5-3 mark in C-USA play, and earned an invitation to the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Included in that group are preseason all-conference honorees Matt Bayliss (senior deep snapper), Marcus Davenport (senior defensive end), Austin Pratt (senior offensive lineman) and Josiah Tauaefa (sophomore linebacker).
Both season and single-game tickets currently are on sale for the upcoming season. Fans can click here or call (210) 458-UTSA (8872) for more information on purchasing tickets.
Practice one ??#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/g5pxvjx5vU
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) August 1, 2017
?? Head Coach Frank Wilson comments on the first day of #UTSA football practice.#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/GXCRVammv8
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) August 1, 2017
?? Josh Stewart discusses the energy at the first day of fall camp.#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/FMBA6NSuCf
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) August 1, 2017
"It honestly just feels like the season didn't end." - Josiah Tauaefa after the first day of fall camp.#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/CHESRZuSN6
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) August 1, 2017